The Gambia Youth Chamber of Commerce (GYCC), the voice of young entrepreneurs in The Gambia - a trade support organisation is set to empower young entrepreneurs and help improve their earnings in The Gambia.
The rural reach has helped with creating awareness among 500 young fishermen, vegetable growers and processors traders at ferry crossings and in rural markets.
At the same time, GYCC helps assess the impact of the crisis on young entrepreneurs and works towards solutions that protect health while allowing commerce to continue and keeping young entrepreneurs in business.
They also engaged in responding to COVID-19 situation have developed their capacity to engage with communities with support from the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The project supported the procurement of 3D printing materials and equipment, implemented by the International Trade Centre.
As part of the Tekki Fii - Make it in The Gambia Program, a flagship initiative of the Government of The Gambia and the European Union with the aim to reduce migration pressures through increased job opportunities and income prospects for youth. YEP is funded through the EU.
This support to entrepreneurs and institutions is not only creating opportunities to mitigate the economic impact but also reinforcing COVID-19 precautionary measures for the public.
In addition the organisation also donated facemasks, Make3D Company Ltd, is producing and testing 3D printed protective gear in partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
The protective equipment will support MRC in its work with plans and plans are under way to extend the support to other medical facilities.
These efforts will go a long way in containing the infection and building resilience in rural areas in the country with an opportunity for everyone to give back to communities.
The COVID-10 health and socio-economic crisis has hit The Gambia very hard and it will take time to recover.
"Entrepreneurs in the right state of mind and good health can run a good business. You want to be that entrepreneur.
Stay safe, stay home and protect yourself and your love ones."
This is the main message that goes out every evening on a live radio talk show and reaches youth across North, Central, Upper and Lower Bank Regions.
